This is an inexpensive, fun, and joyful way to give Christmas gifts that people will love, read on…
Now, I just cannot imagine there is a cupboard in the world that would not benefit from a fine bottle of homemade vanilla extract, especially one that can be reused and refilled. Here is the recipe:
Purchase boston rounds or similar bottle locally at a herb store or online through a company such as Specialty Bottle or SKS Bottle. Online they can be purchase for less than $1 each. Purchase vanilla beans either locally or online. The cost should run under $1 per bean. You are going to need about 1 1/2 to 2 beans per bottle. Slice the beans in half and place inside bottle. Fill bottle with any kind of inexpensive vodka (you may already have some in your stash!). Allow this to sit for approximately 6 weeks…just in time for Christmas!
Let the receiver of your gift know that more vodka can be poured over the beans until they are spent. I made this vanilla extract just yesterday and the vodka is already starting to turn color. The finished product should be a nice, dark brown color just as you would find in a gourmet kitchen.
Here is another recipe that take advantage of your herb garden. Even in Wisconsin I was able to extract these herbs from the garden yesterday to make these little cuties!
- Herbal Drizzle
Cut a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, sage, lemongrass, lavender or any other herb you wish or may have left standing. Clean them, insert them into a pretty corked bottle and fill with 100% extra virgin olive oil. These too will need to sit for about 4-6 weeks to get the full flavor of the herb. I call mine Herbal Drizzle because I love to drizzle olive oil in my pan, over my salads, or wherever it seems to fit.
By Christmas you will be able put an attractive label or hangtag on the bottle, attach a pretty bow, wrap them up in a cello basket and give a Christmas gift that will make you proud!
If you are a member of my family reading this…just pretend you never saw it!!
Happy herbal!
Deb Doubek
Peterman Brook Herb Farm
